Walmart.com - Sam Walton Invades Cyberspace
Written: May 26 '03 (Updated Dec 14 '07)
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Wal-Mart stores seem to be popping up like weeds here and it looks like we'll be getting a Super Wal-Mart sometime in the near future. I used to sing the praises of deals and discounts that could be had at the physical stores, from computer printers to Pop Tarts, clothing to back to school goods – chances are if you were looking for it, Wal-Mart would have it. Over the past few months I've noticed a very disturbing trend, items that were priced well below the competition suddenly shot up, a great example of this would be Kellogg Pop Tarts. Until about two months ago the 12 count pack was prices at $1.82 – normally these were close to $3.00 at the grocery store. Now Wal-Mart has them at $2.49. When I asked them why the price went through the roof no one could seem to give me an answer. This also happened on dish washing liquid, vacuum cleaner bags, trash bags and microwave popcorn. For me, this was a tell tale sign of things to come for the rest of the store, as well as the internet storefront. You might not notice it, but slowly the prices on some items are creepy up – all the while you are bombarded with the Wal-Mart marketing tool of Roll Back Prices.
Navigation
Getting around the site is pretty simple and if you want to get right in to shopping you can use the search engine that yields a fairly good return of items. You’ll get a pop up asking if you want to subscribe to the newsletter when you first hit the site, but other than that, I’ve never had an issue with site pop ups. Almost all the items that are listed at the site have a photo, text detail and shipping information [size, weight etc] but from time to time you might come across some things that have a minimal amount of detail. You can call the toll free customer service number for more information is needed. The site is broke up in to section that can be accessed from the link at the top of the page, by using the drop down search box or the search engine. The sections are divided up nicely so you will be able to find exactly what you are looking for with a minimal amount of aggravation. My only complaint about the main page is the pop up for the newsletter, when you go back to the main page you will keep getting the same pop up unless you sign up for the newsletter – even then, you’ll still get it once you leave the site and come back.
Selection
You’ll be able to find most of the stuff that the retail Wal-mart store carries and a few extras like pools, large swing and play sets, hot tubs, grills, wide screen televisions, computers and sporting goods. Granted, some of the larger Wal-Mart stores carry these items, but the online storefront allows you to have a wider selection when it comes to purchasing large ticket items. Chances are if the brick and mortar Wal-Mart carries it, you’ll be able to find it online. The exceptions seen to be food items [however they do carry gourmet cookies and treats], some pet products, cleaning supplies and general household items like garbage bags, school supplies and toilet paper. I am sure that if I spent enough time at the site I would be able to bizarre items but in all honesty, I spend too much time there as it is. Suffice it to say that they have more than enough to keep you busy clicking away for a few hours – and will the clearance and sale items changing often, you’d be wise to check the site every few day. They even make it easy for you to locate a local store online, see a detailed map, get the phone number, hours and what departments they have to offer [such as pharmacy, vision center, tire service etc].
Firearms, guns, hunting equipment, licenses, ammunition and other related items are not sold through the site. To purchase these items you must visit a Wal-Mart store and show the proper identification.
Gift Cards
You can order gift cards for use online or at retail stores at the site. These Wal-Mart Shopping Cards available in denominations from $10.00 to $200.00 with your choice of a card that can be used online or at a retail store or exclusively online. The first card will be shipping to you via the USPS and carries a delivery charge of $2.74 while the online card will be sent via email with no delivery fee. The plastic card comes in denominations of $10.00, $25.00, $40.00, $50.00, $100.00 and $200.00 however the email version [that can only be used for online purchases] can be any amount from $10.00 to $200.00. While I’ve never purchased gift cards online [the ones that can only be used online that is], I have used my Wal-Mart Shopping Card to place orders and have never had a problem with them being processed or the correct amount being debited from the card.
To use your Wal-Mart Shopping Card online you have to have a newer version that features a scratch off area with a PIN [personal identification number]. Several of my older cards didn’t have this feature and I dreaded having to spend them at a physical store. I was able to go to customer service and have them transfer the amounts to one card that I could use at the store as well as online. If you have an older card, please ask someone at the customer service desk about this option.
Wal-Mart Connect
If you are looking for internet access, you can check out the detail of the Wal-Mart service provider that gives you 700 hours of access per month, parental controls and more perks during your trial membership but there are a few strings attached to the deal. There are premium areas [similar to AOL] that will cost you a little more to access and use and will be billed to your credit card in addition to the $9.95 a month fee. You can pick up a start up disc at any Wal-mart store or order one free online. After your one month trial membership you get unlimited internet access and email service. I checked to see what local access numbers were available in my area and there were no results listed when I entered my zip code but got several returns when I typed in my city. You can also access Wal-Mart Connect by calling a toll free number to connect at a .10 cent per minute fee. From what people have told me about the service, it is comparable to AOL but costs less than half of the AOL subscription fee per month with less disconnects and better customer service.
Prices
I don’t care what anyone has to say – the prices online are no comparison to what you can get at the physical store. You never know what items are going to be marked down, on sale or in the clearance aisle. A great example of this would be the post season mark downs [Easter, Halloween, Christmas, back to school] that can save you up to 80% off the suggested retail price. While I used to shop at Wal-Mart all the time, now it’s just when they have something I need on sale or during a post season sale. It’s rare that you’ll see these types of items listed at the website however you might come across them from time to time if they have a large stock of an item. To get the best price be sure to check the Rollback section of the site [main page, right hand bottom corner] to see what they have at a reduced price.
Payment Options
Wal-Mart.com accepts MasterCard, Discover, Visa, American Express and Wal-Mart Gift Cards as payment for purchases at the site. Only credit cards issued though American banks will be accepted and as far as I can tell, the site doesn’t accept checks of any kind for purchases. I have used my Wal-Mart Shopping Card and MasterCard at the site and have never had any trouble with double billings, being charged an amount other than what was shown in my email or during the check out process. If you are using a Visa card you will have to verify it using the “Verified By Visa” code on the back of your card. This is one of the main reasons why I don’t use my Visa card anymore for online purchases. I use my Visa mostly for gasoline purchases and slide the card into the automatic reader. Since this sees a lot of action, the back part of the card is partially worn away and the code [that I never noticed in the first place] is no longer visible. I asked the bank to give me the code and they said they can’t, all I can do is order another card [for a $20.00 fee that is]. Oh well, at least you know you are safe when using your Visa card at Wal-Mart.com.
Shipping
Shipping fees are calculated based on the number of items in your order as well as the deliver address. To get the shipping rate for an item just add it to your cart, you have the option to upgrade to several expedited shipping methods for an additional fee. You can see the fee schedule at the site or – an easier thing to do would be to add an item to your cart and see what the delivery fee would be and the delivery options that are available to you. In regards to the items that I’ve ordered, I didn’t think that the shipping fees were outrageous but it would have been nice to have gotten free shipping on orders over $100.00 – especially during the holiday season.
Return Policy
You have several options at your disposal when making a return from an online purchase. You can return it to your local Wal-Mart store if you have the shipping information or sales receipt from the delivery. You can mail it back to the return center with all the information needed and you will receive a credit in about 30 – 45 days. There are some items that can’t be returned to stores – anything oversized or special ordered needs to be returned via mail or freight to receive a credit. When you add an item to your shopping cart make sure to see if it says “oversized item” and read the terms regarding this type of purchase. Items that are purchased as gifts can be exchanged at the customer service counter and the bearer of the item will get the amount of the purchase on a Wal-Mart gift card. Gift Cards are not returnable and cannot be redeemed for cash. Please make sure you read over Wal-Marts return policy before you make a large purchase so you know what rights you have as a customer.
Customer Service
Walmart.com Customer Service
7000 Marina Blvd.
Brisbane, CA 94005
Things To Know
Have your contact lens prescription at Wal-Mart? If so you can go online and look up you prescription or reorder lenses and you'll be notified when they are ready for pick up. This is only available to people who have previously had a contact lens prescription filled at a Wal-Mart location. You can do the same thing with prescription drug refills or when ordering medical supplies. While you are in the help portion of the site you can access your Wal-Mart credit card information, get details about the ATM machines that are located inside the retail stores, gift card help and ordered checks for your checking account.
The Bottom Line
I have mixed feelings about Wal-Mart in general. I used to be one of those people that raved about the low prices and clean stores but more and more the prices aren't all that great and the stores – well, they are getting rather trashy. Still, if there is a bargain to be found – online or off – chances are this freak will be on it. I have no qualms shopping the online site and feel 100% safe when making a purchase with my credit card. The fact that you can return an item to a retail store is a perk – almost as much as the ability to use a Wal-Mart Shopping card online or at the physical store. There is no denying that the Wal-Mart site is massive and has a lot more than the retail store – but if you are a bargain hunter you’ll agree that there’s no better way to spend the wee hours of the night than trolling through the clearance aisles or finding those lovely sale stickers.
As always, thanks for the visit!
^V^ Freak ^V^
© 2003 Freak369
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Recommended:
Yes
What product did you purchase or try to purchase? Toys, clothing, gift cards, computer supplies.
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